entertainment

Americans from the First Lady to P. Diddy are proclaimed Downton Abbey fans. One recent report stated Harrison Ford is a big fan and possibly interested in a role. American celebrities openly admit they’re “hooked” on the unfolding story of the Crawley family and fortune and big supporters of the downstairs complement, too.

It seems geography has something to do with whether or not Downton Abbey holds appeal. While Americans have embraced the show and helped make it one of the most widely watched television dramas in the world, playing in over 200 countries–just imagine Mr. Bates and Anna communicating in Mandarin– according to some reports British audiences think our fascination is a little bit strange.

One of the cast members mentioned in an interview that according to his experience the difference is Americans cross the street to tell the cast and crew how much they love the show and the British cross the street to inform them they never watch it at all.

Oh come on now!

Who doesn’t love Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley? I love the hats…clothes…and attitude!

Some reports state that British audiences think it’s nothing but a silly soap opera. Maybe there’s some truth to that. I have no trouble admitting I like a good serialized drama. But silly? I don’t know about you, but the Season Three cliffhanger ending with Matthew…

Oh I won’t spoil it just in case…but silly?

Simple pleasures are a good thing. My breathing lighter routine includes a little escape and Downton Abbey provides just the right amount of entertainment excitement. Oh I do hope no more cast members want off this show!

I was interested in reading more from the British perspective, but I ran into a problem. If I popped over to read articles originating in Great Britain, I accidentally stumbled upon details from the yet-unaired-in-America Season Four. We’ve been waiting since last February to see what happens next. I don’t want spoilers!

So why don’t you tell me. Do you enjoy Downton Abbey? What is it that brings you back season after season? Or tell me why you’re not interested in this period piece?

And for my British and international friends–come on now…admit it. You like it, too, don’t you?

We can all agree Julian Fellowes isn’t William Shakespeare. But I think he tells a good story! And after all, don’t we enjoy a good story?

I’m curious. So maybe you can explain the difference between an American and a British response to Downton.

I know where I’ll be this Sunday at 9:00 P.M.–in front of my television. I’m not too proud to admit my addiction. Even if you think it’s strange.

And if you haven’t yet found your way to embrace this popular series, give me a nudge and I’ll do my best to convince you it’s a wonderful romp!

Don’t you just love it when you stumble upon something fun and entertaining you weren’t looking for in the first place? And isn’t it even better if it doesn’t cost one cent! That’s what we found last month when we read a little notice in the Los Angeles Times about a FREE exhibit at L.A. Live’s Event Deck to celebrate the Blu-Ray release of The Dark Knight Rises.

Once again, we were curious, so off we went, and we were not disappointed! The exhibit included costumes and props from films in the Dark Knight Trilogy as well as all seven Batmobiles, including the one from the Adam West television series.

For anyone interested, the dresses worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway are incredibly tiny. I just thought you might like to know that. And the Batman costumes are incredibly detailed , suggesting a very imposing figure.

The exhibit was certainly mood-inducing with low, dramatic lighting and the emotionally power-packed movie soundtrack pumping throughout the exhibit with a reverberating intensity.

The vehicles were beautiful, and certainly not just props. These were THE Batmobiles!

I need to repeat this–it was a first-class exhibit and it was open and free to the public. It makes me wonder what else is out there to enjoy and we just don’t pay attention!

Perhaps this will encourage you take a look through the local newspaper this weekend and see what you find in your own city..there are usually so many interesting events, exhibits and offerings to choose from, and all the better when you find something that doesn’t impose an entrance fee.

If you’re flexible, there’s always something interesting.

We’re ready for our weekend exhale and of course we have another field trip planned. I’ll tell you about that next week, but now it’s your turn to plan your own adventure! Enjoy your weekend, and I hope you’ll share your plans with me, too! I enjoy vicarious adventures when I’m resting in between my own!

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The power of the exhale….ahhhhhhh!

It's important to break the routine and monotony of everyday stress. We all have it...even too much a good thing can be stressful.

But for me, a change in scenery is often all it takes. I explore the history of where I live, Southern California, combining research with hands-on learning in the form of local field trips.

It's amazing how much better you can feel with a little history project. You may not have a lot of interest in Southern California but I encourage you to take a sample from my playbook, and do the same where you live.